We urge you to take additional safety precautions in observance of National Poison Prevention Week, which started on Sunday. A poison is anything that can harm someone if it is 1) used in the wrong way, 2) used by the wrong person, or 3) used in the wrong amount. Poisons may harm you when they get in your eyes or on your skin. Other poisons may harm you if you breathe them in or swallow them.

Poisoning is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Most of these deaths are due to drug and medicine misuse and abuse (Source: Centers for Disease Control).

What about Vermont? The Northern New England Poison Center received more than 7,000 information calls and nearly 5,000 exposure calls from Vermonters in 2014. Many of these calls – 301 to be exact – were animal-related. Don’t forget your pets! Keep them safe.

Want can you do? Start by programming your cell phone and home phone with the poison center phone number. Post the number on your refrigerator and near your home phone. The phone number is 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing.

Here’s a handy acronym that explains everything the Northern New England Poison Center offers you. We are here to help!

The University of Vermont Medical Center serves all of Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, The UVM Medical Center is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont